By now you've heard about Nootropics or "smart drugs".

 

Cognitive enhancers that are rapidly increasing in popularity for their ability to boost brain performance and give someone a competitive edge.

 

For the skeptics the question that comes to everyone's mind is if they actually work. Can a little pill really give us unwavering focus, a flawless memory, and intelligence that we all dream of?

 

Today we're doing a deep dive on 10 of the most powerful nootropic ingredients and taking a look at if they actually work.

 

1. Caffeine

 

Believe it or not, you're probably already consuming a Nootropic without even knowing it. Caffeine is a most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world.

 

Caffeine essentially works by blocking the adenosine receptors in your brain (the stuff that makes you feel tired). By blocking these receptors you feel an increase in alertness, focus, as well as less tired.

 

 

 

2. Bacopa Monnieri

 

This ancient herb has been used for centuries to improve mental processing speed, memory, and intellect. in recent reviews they've found that Bacopa Monnieri has helped memory, attention, and focus in children and adolescents.*

 

Supplementation of Bacopa daily has also resulted in significant improvement in memory recall and information retention.*

 

Bacopa Monnieri contains active compounds called bacosides which improve communication in the areas of your brain where memories are processed. In most cases the effects of Bacopa are not felt immediately and require months of use.

 

 

 

3. Gingko Biloba

 

Gingko Biloba is an herb rich in antioxidants. It gained popularity through it's common use in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance brain health and treat a variety of other conditions.

 

When taken daily Gingko Biloba has been shown to improve memory and mental processing, as well as decrease stress by reducing cortisol.

 

Scientists say that the benefits of Gingko Biloba could be a result of increased blood flow to the brain from taking it.

 

 

 

4. CDP Choline

 

Choline is an essential nutrient that humans need to obtain through food. It's important for brain development, liver health, and a healthy nervous system.

 

Choline is required to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a role in alertness, attention, learning, and memory. Studies have shown that high choline is associated with improved cognitive performance.

 

 

 

5. L-Tyrosine

 

An essential amino acid, L-Tyrosine has benefits for your brain such focus, energy, mood, and stress management.

 

L-Tyrosine is a necessary building block for proteins and a precursor to some of the most important neurotransmitters in the human brain. It also assists with the production of dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and adrenaline.

 

These chemicals are crucial for mood, motivation, blood flow, focus, and attention. An efficient brain is consistently replenishing neurotransmitters and L-Tyrosine is key. 

 

 

 

 

6. Theobromine

 

Commonly found in cacao seeds, Theobromine is an alkaloid that acts as a vasodilator.

 

Due to it's similar chemical structure to caffeine Theobromine can increase alertness, blood flow, and mood. By the same mechanism it can enhance focus, and is gaining popularity among athletes due to its mild stimulating effects.

 

It's also considered by some to be an aphrodisiac, meaning it can help increase sex drive.

 

 

 

7. L-Leucine

 

An amino acid connected to the trio of branch chain amino acids (BCAA's), L-Leucine can help regulate your energy as well as sharpen your mental processing by playing a role with the neurotransmitter glutamate.

 

L-Leucine also release mTOR pathways which help muscle building via protein synthesis. This can result in increased energy, muscle growth, and more brain power.

 

 

 

8. Ashwagandha

 

Ashwagandha is a herb popularized for it's stress-relieving properties.

 

It's antioxidant properties on the brain have been shown to boost memory and cognition by reducing stress and increasing acetylcholine.  Ashwagandha enhances GABA receptors and regulates serotonin in the brain.

 

The glycowithanolides in Ashwagandha reduce cortisol, the bodies stress hormone. By reducing cortisol, it's able to alleviate and manage stress.

 

 

 

9. Modafinil

 

Unlike the other natural nootropics we've covered, Modafinil is a synthetic nootropic sold as a prescription drug called Provigil.

 

It blocks dopamine transporters which result in stimulating effects similar to amphetamines or cocaine. This results in reduced drowsiness, reduced fatigue, and an enhanced ability to manage your time and complete tasks.

 

Although generally non-addictive, instances of addiction and dependance have been noted.

 

 

 

10. Adderall (Amphetamines)

 

Amphetamines like Adderall contain highly stimulating amphetamines. Available only through presciption it's normally prescribed to treat ADHD, but it's increasingly being taken by adults to improve attention, mood, and focus.

 

It works by increasing the availability of dopamine and noradrenaline within the area of your brain that controls working memory, attention, and behavior.

 

Although Adderall is one of the most powerful nootropics, it's considered one of the most dangerous due to it's reputation to be abused recreationally. Recreational Adderall abuse can result in heart attacks or addiction.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

There are a variety Nootropics and smart drugs available depending on what you are looking for. Research suggests that many of these nootropics work with different degrees of intensity.

 

Synthetic nootropics and smart drugs such as adderall and modafinil have the strongest most noticeable effects, but can have severe side effects which is why they are only available with a prescription.

 

Natural nootropics, like the ones used in alternative medicine, are more widely available but typically have more subtle, less noticeable effects. When taken in combination their effects can be boosted.

 

If you're interested in a natural nootropic blend with every natural ingredient we've included here, you can try Unlimitter. With hundreds of 5 star reviews, and thousands of happy customers, it's the #1 Nootropic on the market.